About
Derek Warren is an Associate Professor in Pharmacology at the School of Chemistry, Pharmacy and Pharmacology, University of East Anglia. His academic journey began with a BSc (Hons) in Molecular Biology and Biochemistry from the University of Dundee, followed by a PhD from the University of Glasgow studying actin dynamics in Saccharomyces cerevisiae. Postdoctoral training included roles at the University of Cambridge (Division of Cardiovascular Medicine) and King’s College London (Cardiovascular Division).
His research focuses on cell mechanotransduction, particularly how vascular smooth muscle cells sense and adapt to extracellular matrix stiffness using biophysical techniques, cell biology, and imaging. Key projects include investigating Piezo1 and aquaporin-1 in matrix-driven hypertrophy (funded by the British Heart Foundation), Dupuytren’s Disease mechanisms with Action Arthritis, and tumor microenvironment stiffness effects with The Big C Appeal.
Scientific awards include a BHF Career Development Award (2010) and a BHF Intermediate Fellowship (2011). His work spans collaborations with institutions across the UK and Europe, with recent publications in ChemBioChem, Current Research in Physiology, and Journal of Cell Science, covering topics like nuclear envelope integrity, calcium signaling, and microtubule dynamics.
